Like any other much hyped film, Fida has been the talk of the industry since its inception. Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur as the next growing reel life couple; another Kareena and Fardeen Khan pairing; a second opportunity after a successful first outing for director Ken Ghosh and it features Kareena in a gray shade. Most recently, controversy struck when it was believed that Salman Khan also held a place in the film. The film makers, Tips Industries quickly relinquished the rumor and director Ghosh, fearful of what his second film may turn out to be after his first was an [unexpected] hit, also said he hopes people don’t expect something magnanimous. Was that what worked for Ishq Vishk? Should that be what one should expect upon listening to the audio, by Anu Malik? Yes… and no.

Malik has reformed to his almost classic composition style of a pleasant style of romantic duets here from his Abbas-Mustan era as was in Baazigar or Ajnabee rather than the classical or different musical compositions that he has been utilizing recently. The outcome, much like the above mentioned soundtracks is an average to above average soundtrack of ear friendly breezy tunes that simply fit the bill.

One song that doesn’t fit the bill is the amazingly annoying “Aaja Ve Mahi”. This, of course, is touted as the gigantic block buster of the album because it is merely abiding by some unforeseen rule in Bollywood to take Indian music and blend it with hip hop. For some reason the songs usually work, but with this song I find it doubtful. Never the less if this un-orchestrated and unbalanced song is your cup of tea than pick this one up just for this one. Otherwise the Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan (and Blaise who does the hip hop interludes) duet is a dud, even with the film’s two main leads contributing as well.

While that song opens up the soundtrack, one honestly is taken by surprise when the next one reverts to Malik’s original style of composing. But, quite frankly, this style has been successful and it does create a certain ambiance for the thriller oriented film and that is where it works. “Nazar Nazar” sung by Udit and Sapna Mukherjee is your classic romantic duet and is pleasant on the ears. An instrumental, more or less like the original, follows, but unlike its original this one is composed by Bipin Panchal.

“Dil Mera Naa” is another nostalgic romantic number sung by the same duo holding itself just as well. Udit is refreshing as is Alka and the beat is entertaining as are most of Sameer’s lyrics. The major grouse is the idiotic lyrics of “I love you, love you like crazy”, but with Sameer… they are expected. Despite this all, Anu Malik has made it manageable. This is another one of those songs that while not extremely creative is very enjoyable which sometimes makes for a good repeat listen.

The some times exotic vocals of Alisha Chinoy are joined with Sonu Nigam in “Maine Jisko Chaha”. The song is average but has potential as a fast paced tune. With a peppy feel it carries out the thematic pace of the album which is also good in keeping it upbeat and catchy. Lyrics are also tolerable as are the Malik-bank friendly interludes, but what stands out the most is Alisha Chinoy’s techno dosed voice which is at times irresistible.

Malik couldn’t forget Kumar Sanu who has given him a few of his big hits earlier in the above named soundtracks and Ishq Vishk as well. “Aaj Kaho Sanam Jitna” is a throw back to those nineties tunes and is okay but definitely less likable than the previous tunes despite great singing by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik as well.

The music for Fida carries a lot of Anu Malik’s classic traits. The best part is that there is more of his pleasurable and good traits here akin to previous soundtracks like Baazigar, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Khushi, etc., in which he was able to create a sound that would be attached to his name and his name only. In Fida, he has created a good compilation of melodious tunes that are decent enough to promote the film and be heard more than once.